Bomb threat at Boston courthouse prompts evacuation

Workers could be seen carrying cribs and children from the day care center in the court house

My Fox Boston

BOSTON — The Moakley Federal Courthouse in South Boston was evacuated Wednesday afternoon for a reported bomb threat.

The U.S. Attorney's office told FOX 25 the courthouse would remain closed for the rest of the day. However, courthouse staff was allowed back into the building just after 4 p.m.

An attorney attending a pre-trial conference on the third floor of the building told FOX 25's Erica Ricci red lights began flashing and a "frantic" voice came over the loud speaker of the courthouse and said, "code red, all evacuate the building immediately."

"The judge, with his back to the door, was gone in a flash," said the attorney.

FOX 25's Bob Ward says this type of code red is the first in the courthouse's history.

FOX 25's Sharman Sacchetti attempted to enter the court at about 3 p.m. Wednesday and was told she could not enter because the courthouse was being evacuated.

Dept. of Homeland Security and U.S. Marshals could be seen walking around the scene.

Workers could be seen carrying cribs and children from the day care center in the court house.

Boston Police K9 units had arrived at the scene and were examining cars on the outside of the building.

Brigham and Women's Hospital had also been evacuated, but was later cleared.

Investigators say an abandoned car parked on Francis Street prompted the police to shutdown the area near Brigham and Women's out of an abundance of caution. Mass. State Police investigated and gave the all-clear. The car was not taken into custody.

Hospital officials say 12 people injured in the marathon bombings, four of whom are in critical condition, remain in their care.